What might a medical assistant document to support continuity of care?

Documenting progress notes is essential for supporting continuity of care because they provide an ongoing record of a patient’s condition, treatment, and response to interventions. These notes are typically written by healthcare providers during or after patient visits, capturing key information such as changes in symptoms, updates on treatment plans, and any patient concerns voiced during the visit. By maintaining detailed progress notes, medical assistants and other healthcare professionals ensure that all members of the healthcare team have access to relevant information, which enhances communication and decision-making related to patient care.

On the other hand, while discharge summaries do provide valuable information about a patient's status at the time of discharge, they are generally more focused on the conclusion of care rather than ongoing management. Patient registration forms primarily capture administrative data and demographic information, which, while important, do not contribute to the clinical details necessary for continuous care. Insurance claims are essential for billing purposes but do not typically contain clinical details that inform ongoing treatment decisions. Thus, progress notes stand out as the most effective documentation for continuity of care.